The University of Guam

Date: May 07 2009
Major: Linguistics (This Major's Salary over time)
I am a senior at the University. My major is the English language track also known as linguistics. UOG is one of the few universities in the Nation which have an English language track available as opposed to a 'general English' or 'English literature' degree.

I'll start with the negatives first—1) Difficulty in registering for classes. You must sign up EARLY. There are so few sections offered for each class that you have to really book it to make sure you get the class you need.

2) Small Faculty. This is also tied into number one. The staff is small (but very well educated) so there are not many sections available.

3) Surrounding area. The surrounding area is not really enjoyable.

4) Beauracracy. This university has you fill out more forms than you can imagine. Faculty (not the professors) will tell you to go to someone else for a problem. The person they sent you to will tell you to go to someone else and so on and on and on. This process will definatley familarize you with the campus. I have been put on a loop-around so many times because the administration doesn't do much to help students. I have really learned A LOT about how the campus works because I have had to figure out my schedule, graduation date, and many other things myself.

The positives:

1) Professors are friendly, smart, and willing to help students.

2) The student body are really fun and welcoming.

3) I feel like I am getting a truly quality education. People may look down on Guam because they think we are backwards, living in huts, or completely shut off from the world. The fact is we are not.

4) Cultural exposure and diversity. Students from all over Micronesia and Asia come to UOG. You will meet people from different cultures, religions, and places. It is a guarantee. This cultural diversity is not limited to just the student body—it is incorporated into the curriculm itself.

I personally feel like the positives outweigh the negatives. Many of my professors have impacted me and I am grateful to them. Although the administration leaves me worn out emotionally and physically, my time has been worth it.